The UK and the EU announce new deals and renew ties, 5 years after Brexit

Britain’s government announced on Monday that it has reached new agreements with the European Union to enhance defense cooperation, simplify food trade, and streamline border checks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that these deals will reduce bureaucracy, boost the British economy, and redefine relations with the 27-nation trade bloc after the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020.

Starmer hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior EU officials in London for the first official UK-EU summit post-Brexit. The agreements include a new U.K.-EU defense and security partnership granting the U.K. access to a EU defense loan program valued at 150 billion euros ($170 billion). Additionally, the deals involve reducing checks on animal and plant products to facilitate food trade across borders and extending an agreement allowing EU fishing vessels in U.K. waters for 12 years.

The aim, according to Starmer, is to move past old disputes and find pragmatic solutions for the benefit of the British people. Despite the EU being the UK’s largest trading partner, the UK has experienced a 21% decline in exports post-Brexit due to increased border checks and paperwork. Since assuming office in July, Starmer has been working to improve relations with the EU after years of tension following the 2016 Brexit referendum.

The trade agreement currently governing post-Brexit relations was negotiated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and is now being looked at for enhancements by Starmer to boost trade and fortify security. Starmer believes that stronger ties with the EU, in addition to recent trade agreements with India and the United States, will bring more benefits to the UK.

While no tariffs are imposed on goods exports between the UK and the EU, various non-tariff barriers have complicated trade. Visa restrictions post-Brexit have also hindered cross-border activities for professionals and cultural exchanges. The Labour Party’s rise to power following years of Brexit-related turmoil has seen efforts from both sides to improve relations, particularly in responding to global events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Discussions on strengthening ties have primarily focused on security, defense, and a youth mobility plan for young Britons and Europeans to live and work in each other’s territories temporarily. The summit is anticipated to address aligning standards for the sale of agricultural products to reduce checks on food products exported across the English Channel.

Starmer may face challenges from pro-Brexit groups and opposition parties regarding the agreements, but he is determined to pursue the best outcomes for the UK. The potential involvement of former President Donald Trump, a supporter of Brexit, could also influence the course of the reset in UK-EU relations.